The Senate President Urges-Reconciliation As Suspended Senator Ningi-Returns

The Senate President Urges-Reconciliation As Suspended Senator Ningi-Returns

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, urged Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi to “let bygones be bygones” as Ningi resumed at the Senate after a three-month suspension.

In March, Ireporteronline reported that the Senate suspended Ningi for three months over his allegation of budget padding. His suspension followed an interview with BBC Hausa where he claimed that the Federal Government was operating two versions of the 2024 budget. Ningi asserted that the N28.7 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu was skewed against the North.

Following his suspension, Ningi was recalled on May 28 after Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro initiated a process expressing regret on his behalf. He resumed at the National Assembly on Tuesday after organized labor suspended its strike.

Addressing the Senate, Ningi expressed appreciation for his recall after serving 75 out of the 90-day suspension period.

“Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, I rise with profound humility to commend the Senate, its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate leadership, and the minority caucus for recalling me from suspension. I was in Turkey when the news got to me last week and I’m very much appreciative of the gesture. I’m happy to be back at home because the National Assembly is like home to me, having served as House leader, Deputy Senate Leader in the past, and now as one of the Distinguished serving senators. I also thank my State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the people of Bauchi State, and other Nigerians who reached out to me in one way or the other during the period that has now been put behind,” Ningi said.

Responding, Akpabio said, “Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi, you are a very resourceful person needed in the 10th Senate. Electorates from Bauchi Central Senatorial District voted you for. You are welcome and let bygones be bygones.”